Portable hydraulic baling machine



April 12, 1960 c. MOYER I PORTABLE HYDRAULIC BAL ING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 FilecfJune so. 1953 INVENTOR.

April 12, 1960 c. MOYER PCBRTAI BLE HYDRAULIC BALING MACHINE Filed June 50. 195:

9 Sheets-Sheet 2 n INENTOR. @516 @61 April 1 2, 1960 c. MOYER 2,932,244 r PORTABLE HYDRAULIC BALING momma Filed June 30. 1953 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 c. MOYER PORTABLE HYDRAULIC BALING MACHINE April 12, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

Filed June 30. 1953 April 12, 1960 c. MOYER 2, 2,244 PORTABLE HYDRAULIC BALING MACHINE Filed June so. 1953 9 Sheets-Sheet a 5 I: 7....- E Z IN VENTOR. 530

April 12, 1960 c. MOYER ,93 2

PORTABLE HYDRAULIC BALING MACHINE Filed June so. 1953 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 April 12, 1960 6:. MOYER 2,

PORTABLE HYDRAULIC BALING MACHINE Filed June 30 1953 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 IN V EN TOR.

April 12, 1960 c, MOYE 2,932,244

PORTABLE HYDRAULIC BALING MACHINE Filed June 50. 1953 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 into a plurality of sections for easy handling."

United States Patent Ofice.

PORTABLE HYDRAULIC BALING MACHINE Clyde Moyer, Monticello, Ind., assignor to George Maddox, Winamac, and Albert H. Ellis, Yeoman, Ind.

Application June 30, 1953, Serial No. 365,124

19 Claims. c1. ion-'39 often taken over by a dealer who removes and sells any useful parts from the automobile. After all of the useful parts have been removed, the remaining body and frame of the automobile are valueless-to the dealer and are generally discarded in some field where they lie abandoned. Efforts have been made in the past to utilize the body and frame of such abandoned automobiles for scrap metal. In order, to: recover the scrap metaL-it is-customarily the practice to cut up an automobile body by hand into a plurality of sections, and to compress or bale the sections individually into a compact mass. The process of baling an automobile body as heretofore practiced is of itself time consuming and expensive since the frame is usually cut from the body by means of a hand gas cutting torch, after which the body is cutinto sections by hand which are then individually 'compressed. In addition, the apparatus for compressing or baling the automobiles is generally a large expensive and stationary installation to which the automobile bodies must be carried to be worked upon. Inview of these considerations, efforts to recover scrap metal from automobile bodies have generally been confined to the relatively large dealers who carry on sufiicient business to warrant the installation of the expensive baling equipment.

It is an object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus for baling automobiles, which apparatus may be readily transported from place to place to eliminate costs of transporting automobiles to the baling apparatus to provide for economical recovery of scrap metal frpm smaller dealers. y I 7 Another object of this invention is to provide a novel baling apparatus which is capable ofshearing an automobile body as a unit from the automobile frame.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel baling apparatus for automobiles and the like, which apparatus comprises a self-contained unit capable of transporting an automobile from locations near, but spaced from, the unit to a position for treatment by the,pressing or crushing elements of the apparatus. 7

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel baling apparatus which includes devices for loading articles, such as automobiles, into the crushing mechanism and devices for'discharging the crushed articles from the apparatus. a

' Still another object of this invention is to reduce further costs of baling automobiles by providing a novel crushing mechanism capable of crushing an automobile body as a unit. a I

Another object ofthis invention is to provide a novel automobile wrecking apparatus which is capable of baling an automobile body and of cutting an automobile frame Patented A r- 12, 1960 z p v Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus having the characteristics set forth above, which apparatus may be operated independently of external sources of power.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel mobile apparatus of the above described type, which apparatus is self-pr'opelled' v a 'While the apparatus of this invention is especially useful for wrecking and'baling automobiles, it is another. ob ject of this invention to construct the apparatus .so that it may also be used for baling other articles, such as various forms of scrap'metal, paper, et cetera.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel method of wrecking and baling articles such as an automobile, by which method the article is worked upon where it is located, and as a unit, whereby it'may be quickly and economically reduced to a relatively compact mass for easy shipping and handling.

These and other objects will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein: v

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of an apparatus embodying the principles of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a partial horizontal cross sectional view taken along line 22 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the apparatus of this invention; 1

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross sectional view of the automobile frame shearing mechanism ofthis invention as seen along line 4-4 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional" view taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical cross sectional view taken along line 6-6 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged vertical cross sectional view show ing the side body crushing elements in an open position and viewed along line 7-7 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is, an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view taken along line 88 in Fig. 7 and illustrating mechanism 7 for lubricating the surfaces of the automobile crushing elements;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of that portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a vertical cross sectional view taken along line 10-10 in Fig. 6 and illustrating both the initial shearing and compressing step and the final compressing step of the apparatus;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing a latch mechanism for locking the side pressure elements together and a mechanism for applying upward pressure to an automobile frame during the initial shear.- ing operation;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view showing-the top pressure elements of the apparatus of this invention;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary horizontal cross sectional view I taken along line 1313 in Fig. 10 g Fig. 14 is an exploded fragmentary perspectiveview showing the bottom and one of the side pressure elements of the crushing or baling mechanism of the. resent pp a Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a movable section of the bottom of the crushing mechanism; I r Fig. 16 is a fragmentary vertical cross section-taken along line 1616 in Fig. 14 as it would appear with the element shown in Fig. 15 in place; Fig. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional .view similar to Fig. 7, but showing the mechanism for discharging a crushed bale from the apparatus in operatiOfl; A I Fig. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary cross section, similar to Fig. 17, but showing the parts in position during the crushing operation; v

amazes i Fig. 19 is 'a vertical cross section of the hydraulic piston utilized for actuating the bale discharge device shown in Figs. 17 and 18;

Fig. 20 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing in greater detail the bale discharge door mechanism installed in one of the side pressure elements;

Fig. 2.1 is a schematic view of the hydraulic system provided for actuating the various elements of the present apparatus; Y I

i Fig. 22 is a schematic view of the self contained power system of the apparatus of this invention;

Fig. 23 is a cross sectional view similar to Fig. illustrating the operation of a modified form of the present invention; and v Fig. 24 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the modified form of .the invention shown in Fig. 23.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by the same numerals throughout the various figures, the novel apparatus of this invention isshown best in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 7, and 10 and includes a mobile trailer 30, a tractor 32 for pulling the trailer, an automobile bodyshearing and crushing'mechanism 34 mounted on the trailer, an automobile lifting device '36 mounted on the trailer, a winch mechanism 38 for pulling an automobile to a position adjacent the trailer for lifting by the lifting device and an automobile frame shearing mechanism 40 mounted on the trailer.

The trailer comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending frame members or steel channels 42., 44, 46, and .48 (see Figs. 7 and 10) of sufficient strength and rigidity to sustain the loads to be applied during operation of the apparatus Suitable cross bracing channel members 49 (see Fig. 6) may be secured betweenthe frame members. A deck 50, preferably fo steel plates, overlies the frame members and is secured theretoas by welding. Another pair of frame members 52 and 53 are disposed above and parallel to the outer lower frame members 42 and 48. A plurality of upstanding posts 54, 56, 58, and 60 extend between and interconnect the upper and lower frame members. As shown best in Fig. 1, the upper frame members are considerably longer than the lower frame members and extend forwardly and rearwardly of the ends of the lower frame members. The forward and rear end portions of the-upper frame members are covered with deck plates 62 and 64, respectively.

- The rear end of the trailer frame is supported in a conventional manner by wheels 66. The forward end of the trailer is connected with and supported by the tractor 32in any suitable wellknown manner. The tractor 32 is of conventional construction and, of course, includes'an engine for driving the tractor or cab to pull the trailer to any desired location. If desired, any well known jacking system, not shown, may be provided for supporting the forward end of the trailer so that tractor may be disconnected from the trailer.

The automobile body shearing and crushing mechanism 34 includes a pair of side wings or pressure members 68 and 70. The-member68 (seeFigs. l, 7, 10, and 14) includes a substantially fiat rectangular plate 72 which may be constructed either of one or a plurality of parts. In order tostrengthen and rigidify the plate 72, a grillwork of rigidifying members is secured to the back thereof as-by welding. The grillwork comprises a plurality of upstanding bracking members 74 and a plurality of cross bracing members 76. The bracing members may be in the form of a channel or may have a relatively narrow rectangular cross section with the narrow edge of the bracing member abutting the plate. This structure provides a very strong and rugged compression member, and yet a relatively lightweight compression member which maybe easily carried by the trailer. V

The lower edge of the plate 72 is provided with a plurality of tongues 78 which extend through suitable slots 80'provided in the deck or floor plate of'the trailer.

The compression member is thus interconnected with't e trailer for pivotal movement from the open inclined position shown in Fig. 7 to a closed substantially vertical position shown in Fig. 10. It should be noted that the lower ends of the upstanding bracing members 74 are cut off at an angle to permit the compression member to assume its open position inclined from the vertical. As shown best in Figs. 7 and 10, the tongues 78 are curved to permit the pivotal movement within slots 80, which have a width substantially equal to the thickness of the tongues. This structure prevents parts of the automobile being crushed from entering the'slots 80 and thus jamming the apparatus.

The compression member 70 is constructed and arranged similarly to the member 68 and includes a plate 82 having tongues 84 extending from its lower edge and a bracing grillwork welded to the back of the plate.

The compression members or wings 68 and 70 are preferably actuated by hydraulic cylinders 86 and 88, respectively. "As shown best in Figs. 2 and 10, the cylinder 86 is pivotally mounted as at 82 between a pair of braces 94 secured to the trailer frame. A piston rod 96 of the cylinder 86 is pivotally connected, as at 98, to the compression member. The cylinders 88 are similarly pivotally mounted on the trailer and pivotally connected to the compression member or wing 70. While the apparatus has been illustrated as including three cylinders 86 and three cylinders 88, it is understood that the number of cylinders may be either increased or reduced depending on the requirements of the apparatus. The cylinders 86 and 88 are preferably double acting so that when hydraulic pressure is applied to extend the piston rods, the compression members are moved from the open position shown in Fig. 7 to the closed automobile body crushing position shown in Fig. 10, and when the piston rods are retracted, the wings are moved back to the open position.

As shown best in Figs. 7, 10, 11, and 14, a pair of automobile body shearing elements 100 and 102 are secured as by welding to the upper edges of the compression members or wings 68 and 70'. These shearing elements are in the form of steel plates which project inwardly and substantially perpendicularly from 'thc wings and terminate in sharpened shearing edges. The shearing plates extend for the full length of the wings and are formed so that they extend inwardly a distance equal to about one-half of the distance between the wings when the wings are closed. Thus, when an automobile is supported as shown in Figs. 6 and 10, and the wings 68' and 70 are closed, the shearing elements shear the automobile body 104 as a unit from the automobile frame 106. By this apparatus and method of separating the entire body as a unit from the frame, substantial savings in' time and labor are effected over the prior methods of cutting pieces of the body from the frame with a gas cutting torch.

While it is'preferred in most instances to arrange the automobile with its length transversely of the trailer in the initial crushing step, as indicated in Figs. 6 and 10, so that the body ends are initially crushed; in other'instances the auto body may be turned through so that the body sides receive the initial crushing action.

In order to assist in the shearing of the automobile body from the frame, means is provided for applying an upward pressure to the automobile frame during the shearing action. This meansis shown best in Figs. 7, l0, and 11 and includes a pressure bar 108 extending longitudinally of the upper edges of the wing 68 and adapted to be moved up and down by a hydraulic cylinder 110. While only one hydraulic cylinder has been shown, it is preferable to provide at least two such cylinders which may be positioned adjacent the ends of the pressure bar. An identical pressure bar 112 actuated by a hydraulic cylinder ;1 14 is mounted on the wing 70. Upon raising the pressure bars 108 and 112, as shown in dotted linesin 10, theautornobile frame is engaged and raised to tear anyparts of the automobile body' from theremainder thereof which has been sheared and compressed. The cylinders 110 and 114 are, of course, secured to the compression wings in any suitable manner, such as a bracket 116 bolted to a mounting block 118, which block is welded to the wing.

In order to lock the compression members or wings 68 and 70 in the closed position during the subsequent crushing operations to be described below, latches 118 and 120 are provided (see Figs. 11 and 14). As shown best in Fig. 11, each of thelatches includes a finger pivotally connected adjacent one end as at 122 to the wing 68 by a suitable bracket and pivot pin. The opposite end of the finger is formed with a hook 124 which is adapted to engage the outside surface of'the wing- 70. A hydraulic cylinder.126 is provided 'for moving the latch finger from an open position to the closed locking position shown in Fig. 11. .The cylinder is pivotally mounted, as at 128, to a bracket secured to the wing 68, and the piston rod of the cylinder is pivotally connected to the finger, as at 130.

After the automobile body has been sheared and par- 7 tially crushed, as illustrated in Fig. 10, the wings 68 and 70 are opened to permit'the body to fall to the bottom or deck 50 for further crushing. The wings are then closed again, and the latches 118and 120 are actuated to lock the wings 68 and 70 in the closed position. With the automobile body resting 011 the bottom 50, a second pair of compression members or wings 132 and 134 (see Figs. 1, 6, 10, 12, and 13) are actuated to compress the body further.

.Referring more particularly to Figs. 6 and 12, the wing 132 includes a heavy plate 136 having a plurality oflongitudinally extending rigidifying ribs Welded to the back side thereof. The wing 132 is pivotally mounted between a pair of upstanding support plates 140 and 142 'by means of an axle 144 extending. through aligned apertures in the ribs 138 and the support plates 140 and 142. The wing 132 is, thus, mounted for movement from the open position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 6 to the closed automobile body crushing position extending generally parallel to the deck .50..

The wing 132 is actuated by means of a double acting hydraulic cylinder 146, which is pivotally mounted, as at 148, between the support plates 140 and 142. The piston rod 150 of the cylinder is connected with the compression member or Wing through a self-locking toggle linkage which includes a pair of relatively short links 152 and 154 and a pair of relatively long links 156and 158. The short pair of links are pivotally connected to the supports 140and 142 by a common axle 160, and the long links are connected to the wing by an axle 162 extending through apertures in brackets 164.- The adjacent ends of the two pairs of links and the piston rod are pivotally connected together, as at 166. It should be noted that the links are so proportioned that when the wing is in its closed position, the links will extend in substantially a straight line so as to be self-locking.

It should be understood that a single short link and a single long link might be satisfactory if the strength of such a linkage is sufiicient for the intended use of the apparatus.

The wing 134 is constructed and supported in substantially the same manner as the wing 132. Thus, the wing 134 includes a plate 168'having rigidifying ribs 170 and is pivotally mounted between upstanding support plates 172 and 174 (see Figs. 3 and 6), as at 176. The wing 134 is actuated by a double acting hydraulic cylinder 178 and linkage, which linkage includes a pair of short links 180 and 182 and a pair of long links 184 and 186.

. As seen bestlin Fig. 6, the wings 132 and 134 are of such a length that they complement each other to extend to close completely the upper side of the compartment into which the automobile body is crushed... :Preferably,

however, the wing 134 is somewhat longer than the wing.

mobile body when the body is under the greatest pressure.

While the toggle mechanisms for the wings 132 and 134 are self-locking, it may be desirable to relieve some of the stresses on the toggle mechanisms during the final body crushing step by providing means for positively locking the wings 132 and 134 in the closed position. Such a locking mechanism is illustrated best in Figs. 6, 10, 12, and 13. The locking mechanism for the wing 136includes a double ended hydraulic cylinder 188 welded or otherwise secured transversely across the tops of the ribs 138. A pair of opposedpistons 190 and 192 having pins 194 and 196, respectively, are disposed within the cylinder for movement in opposite directions. Hydraulic fluid under pressure is introduced into the mid portion of the cylinder, as at 198, through a suitable line to force the pistons outwardly and cause the pins to enter bevelled apertures 200 and 202 in'the plates 82 and 72 of the compression members 70 and 68, respectively, thus to lock the wing I132 in position. It should be noted that the opposite ends of the'cylinder provide bearings of substantial length for guiding the pins' 194 and 196. In order to retract the pins 194 and 196, the solid ends of the cylinder are drilled, as at 204 and 206, to provide fluid passageways to receive fluid under pressure from suitable line connections. The wing 134 is provided with hydraulic cylinder 208 which is identical to the cylinder 188.

' With the side compression members or wings 68 and 70 closed and locked, and the top compression members 132 and 134 closed and locked, the automobile body is ready for the final crushing operation. This operation is carried out by the ram 210 shown in Figs. 2 and 6. The ram 210 is actuated by one or more double acting hydraulic cylinders 212 which are of sufiicient length to move the ram from the position shown in solid hnes in Fig. 6 to or past the position shown in dotted lines. I The ra-1n210 crushes the automobile body-against an end plate 214 (see Fig. 6) which is reenforced by a plurality of ribs 216.

Upon the completion of the crushing operation, the various hydraulic cylinders are actuated to release the locks and open the compression members or wings. The crushed or baled automobile body 217 is then ready for removal. The baled body is removed by the apparatus shown in Figs. 1, 7, and 14 through 20. Referring particularly to Fig. 14, it is seen that the bottom or deck 50' is provided with an opening 218. This opening is normally closed by a door 220 (see Fig. 15) which is pivotally connected to the deck by a pin 222' extending through apertured lugs 224 and 226 on the door and similar lugs 228 and 230 on the deck (see Fig. 16). The door 220 is actuated by means of a double acting hydraulic cylinder 232 pivoted to the trailer frame member 44, as at 234, and having a piston rod pivoted to a marginal portion of the door, as at 236 (see Figs. .17 and 18). In Fig. 18, the door is shown closedsduring the crushing operations, while in Fig. 17, the dooris shown pivoted to an open position. It should be noted that when the door 220 is moved to the open position, the baled body is tiltedover against the open inclined side compression plate 72. It should be noted further that with the door in the open position, passageways 238 and 240 are provided to permit debris, such as broken glass and the like, to be discharged by gravity through the opening 218.

'A telescoping hydraulic cylinder 242 is secured as by welding to the under side of the door 220. Thecylinder is provided with a central piston rod 244which extends through the door and is connected to an' inert 246' normally seated within a'recess in the door, as shown in amazes:

Big. 19; The cylinder 1242 is provided with a plurality of telescoping cylinders 248 having a central aperture 250. Thus, fluid introduced into the cylinder 242, as at 252, causes the telescoping cylinders and the piston rod to extend, as shown in Fig. 17, to raise the insert 246 and push the baled body 217 upwardly along the plate 72.

In accordance with another feature of this invention, the plate 72of the compression wing 68 is provided with a door 254 through which the baled body 217 may be pushed by the telescoping piston, as shown in Fig. 17. The door 254 is connected to the plate 72 by means of heavy hinges 256 and 258 and is moved from the open position shown in Fig. 17 to the closed position shown in Fig. 20 by a double acting hydraulic cylinder 260. The cylinder 260 has one end pivotally connected to the plate 72 by bracket 262 and pin 264. The piston .rod 266 of the cylinder is pivotally connected to the door 254 through an outwardly projecting arm 268.

The door 254 is preferably positioned at such a height that when it is in its .open position, its lower edge will be able to overlie a loading platform or a truck or the like into which the baled automobile may be directly discharged for shipping. It should be noted that the door in its open position is inclined downwardly so that when a baled body 217 is pushed through the opening in the plate 72, the bale will slide down the door to the loading platform or truck. It is, thus, seen that the present apparatus not only provides means for discharging the baled body, but also for loading the bale onto any suitable carrier.

As shown in Fig. 20, the door 254 is provided with a pair of stop fingers 270 and 272 for aligning the surface of the door with the surface of the plate 72 when the door is closed. In addition, means is provided for positively locking the door in the closed position. This means includes a pin 274 actuated by a double acting hydraulic cylinder 276. The pin 274 passes through a guide block 278 secured to the plate 72 and is adapted to enter a similar apertured block 280 on the door to lock the door in the closed position. While only one locking device has been shown for the door 254, it is understood that additional locking devices could be provided if desired.

The lifting device 36 for lifting and positioning an automobile body for crushing is shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 7. The lifting device includes a pair of long arms 282 and 284 which form a boom for a derrick. The inner ends of the arms are pivoted between a pair of support plates 286 and 288 by an axle 290 (see Fig. 7). A pulley 292 is mounted between the arms adjacent their inner ends, and .a similar pulley 294 is mounted between the outer endsof the arms (see Fig. 1). A suitable cable 296 having a hook 298 secured to the end thereof passes over the pulleys and is wound on a drum 300 mounted between the support plates 286 and 288. A reversible electric motor 302 is also mounted between the support plates for driving the drum through a pinion 304 and gear 306. Any suitable brake means, not shown, may be provided to maintain the drum and, hence, the cable in the position to which it has been adjusted by the motor.

The boom is raised or lowered by means of a double acting hydraulic cylinder 308 having its lower end pivotally connected between a pair of links 310 and 312, as at 314. The piston rod of the cylinder is pivotally connected to the boom by means of a pin 316. When op erating the lifting device, the hook is first adjusted to the desired position. Then the boom is lowered by the cylinder until the hookcan be attached to the frame of the body. After the hook is attached, the cylinder 308 is actuated to raise the boom to position the automobile at the desired height.

The support plates 286 and 288 are mounted :by any suitable means to the top portion of a vertical post.318, which isrotatably supported in avertical supporting-and 8 bearing housing 320. This'housing is mounted on a platform 322 (see Figs.- 1 and 7) spaced somewhat above the deck 64 of the trailer. A plurality of braces 324 are provided for supporting the housing in a vertical position By this above structure, the boom is mounted for swinging movement about a vertical axis, and in order to effect this movement, the post 318 is extended below the platform 322 and a large gear 326 is secured to the extension of the post. A small gear 328 is mounted on a vertically extending axle 330 and meshes with the large gear. The axle 330 may be driven by any suitable means, such as a hand crank 332, for driving the gears to swing the boom to any desired position.

In order to eliminate the need for continually moving the apparatus of this invention around to get to automobiles within a given field, winch means '38 is provided for dragging such automobiles to the trailer. The winch means 38 includes a drum 334 rotatably mounted between supports 336 and 338 on the forward deck 62 of the trailer (see Figs. 1 and3). A considerable length of cable 340 is wound on the drum and is threaded between a pair of pulleys 342 and 344 which are mounted on vertical axes, as shown in Fig. 5. The cable is then directed along the side of the trailer and between a second pair of pulleys 346 and 348, which are identical to the pulleys shown in Fig. 5. The free end of the cable may be provided with any suitable hook similar to the hook 298 for attachment to an automobile which may be positioned reasonably near the trailer, but out of reach of the lifting device. It should be noted that the pulleys 346 and 348 are positioned near the middle of the crushing mechanism 34, so that the automobiles will be dragged to a position where they may be easily connected to the lifting device. While the cable is shown directed from one side of the trailer, it is understood that the cable may also be directed from the other side through pairs of pulleys 350, 352, 354, and 356.

The winch is driven by a drive shaft 358 mounted in suitable bearings and connectable with the axle of the drum 334 through any suitable hand operated clutch 360. The drive shaft 358 is in turn constantly driven by a gasoline or other suitable engine 362 mounted on the trailer. The drive shaft of the engine may be connected with the drive shaft 358 by means of sprocket wheels and a drive chain 364. The drive shaft 358 is further connected to a suitably mounted shaft 366 through a second drive chain 368. The shaft 366 is connectable with an electric generator 370 through a clutch, such as a hand clutch 372. The generator provides power for driving the electric motor of the lifting device and an electric motor for driving a hydraulic fluid pump, as described below. It is thus seen that the present invention provides an apparatus which may be operated without outside sources of power.

In order to cut the automobile frame 106 into relatively small pieces for easy handling and shipping, the frame shearing mechanism 40, shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 4, has been provided. The shearing mechanism 40 includes a table top 374 supported on rollers 376 and 378. These rollers are adapted to ride on guide rails 380 and 382 mounted within the body of the trailer 30, so that the table may be pushed from the open operative position shown in Fig. 3 to a closed position within the trailer whenever it is desired to move the trailer to a new location. A pair of support legs 384 and 386 are pivotally mounted to the table top for supporting the top in the open operative position. These legs may be connected to the top by any suitable means so that they may be folded against the under surface of the top when the top is to be movedto its closed position.

A heavy bell crank lever 388 is mounted on the top 374 between upstanding lugs 390 and 392 by a pin 394. A shearing head 296 is mounted on one end of the lever 388, and the opposite end of the lever is connecte'd'with' a piston rod 398 of double acting hydraulic cylinder 400 9 secured to the under side of the top. Thus, when the piston rod is extended,'the shearing head is lowered to cut the automobile frame positioned therebeneath.

It should be noted that the shearing head is formed with two shearing edges 402 and 404 which arefdisposed at substantially a right angle to each other. By this arrangement, the automobile frame may be positioned, as shown in Fig. 3, for cutting a section of one longitudinal extending member, and then need only be turned ninety degrees to cut a similar section from the other longitudinal member. In addition, the frame 106 may be easily positioned for cutting the transverse bracing members whether they be disposed diagonally or normally to the longitudinal frame members. The table top 374 is provided with an aperture conforming to and adapted to receive the shearing head 396 in order to provide shearing edges on the table top adaptedt'o cooperate with the shearing edges 402 and 404 on the head. If desired, a separate block, not shown, may be mounted on the table, which block is provided with an opening and shearing edges adapted to cooperate with the shearing head. i,The hydraulic system for operatingthevarious hydraulic cylinders is shown schematically in Fig. 21. This system includes an electric motor for constantly driving a fluid pump 408. The pump is connected'with a fluid reservoir 410 and is adapted to deliver continuously fluid under pressure to a main fluid pressure line 412. In the event the pressure becomes too great, as when the hydraulic cylinders are not being actuated, the fluid flows back to the reservoir through line 414 and pressure relief valve 416. The main fluid pressure'line 412 is connected with the various cylinders by branchlines, and suitable valves and other branch lines connect the cylinders through the same valves to a main fluid return line 418. While any suitable hydraulic system may be used, the system shown in'Fig. .21 is given by way of an example.

' The fluid in the main pressure line 412 is connected with the side compression wing cylinders, 88 and 86 through a branch line 420 and a four way valve 422. This valve may be of any standard design and is preferably hand operated. The valve 422, as. well as the valves for the other cylinders, is preferably mounted on a central control panel 424, shown in Fig. 1. From the valve 422, therfluid is passed into a line 426 which is connected by suitable branches to the bottom ends of all of the cylinders 86 and 88. Thus, with the valve in the position illustrated, fluid is introduced simultaneously into all of the cylinders 86 and 88 to extend .the' pistons and close the" side wings 68 and 70. The opposite ends of the cylinders 86 and 88 are connected by suitable branch lines to fluid line 428, which in turn is connected with the valve 422. With the valve in the position shown, the line 428 communicates with a branch fluid return line 430 connected between the valve and the main fluid return line 418. When it is desired to retract the pistons of the cylinders 86 and 88, it is obvious that this may be accomplished by rotating the valve 422 until the line 428 communicates with the branch pressure line 420 and thejline 426 communicates with the branch fluid return line 430. p e

The double acting cylindrs'126 of the side compress ion wing locking mechanism 'are'connected with the main fluid lines by a branch pressure line 432, a branch return line- 434, and is four wayvalve 436 in exactly the "same manner asthe cylinders 86 and 88 are con-' nected with the main "lines. Similarly, the top compression wing cylinders 146 and 178 are connectedwith the main fluid lines through a four way valve 438, and the ram, cylinders 212 are connected to the main lines through a four way valve 440. 'In addition, the automobile frame-pusher bar cylinders 110 are similarly c'o'nheated through a four way valve 442, and the'top com pression 'wing locking mechanism cylinders are connected bye four way valve 444. The bottom door 't-iltingcylim discharge door lock cylinder 276, and the lifting device cylinder 308 are also connected to the main fluid lines through hand operable four way valves 446, 448, 450, and 452, respectively.

The telescoping cylinder 242 for lifting the bale is only positively actuated during the lifting stroke, and, therefore, this cylinder is connected with the main lines through a valve 454 which may be turned to connect the cylinder with either a branch pressure line 456 or a branch return line 458.

While the frame shear actuating cylinder may be operated by a hand valve located on the control panel 424, it is desirable to place the control of the valve in the handset the operator who is manipulating and positioning the automobile frame relative to the shearing head or'knife. Therefore, the shearing head cylinder 400 is controlled by a four way valve 465, which valve is actuated by a solenoid 460 and spring 462. The spring 462 normally urges the valve to the position shown so that the piston of the cylinder is normally retracted. When the solenoid is energized, the valve is moved to cause the piston to extend, thereby moving the cutting head downwardly. The solenoid is preferably controlled by any suitable switch 464 in electric leads 466 and 468, which connect the solenoid to the main power line, as shown in Fig. 22. The lines'466 and 468 are preferably in the form of an electric cord which the operator can attach to his person so that the switch 464 will be immediately available, no matter where the operator must move to position the automobile frame for the shearing operation. i

Fig. 22 illustrates schematically the electrical power system of the apparatus of this invention. This system includes the engine 362 described above which drives the generator 370 through a suitable sprocket and chain drive. The main power lines 470 and 472 run from the generator to"'-a switchbox 474 mounted on the control panel 424. The motor 406 for driving the fluid pump 408 is connected to the switch box by leads 476 and 478 and the motor302 for operating the lifting device cable drum is connected to the switch box by leads 480 and 482. The frame shear valve solenoid lines 466 and 468 are connected with the main leads by branch lines 484 and 486. From the above description, it is seen that the present invention contemplates the provision of an apparatus having self-contained hydraulic and electrical power systems so that the apparatus can be operated independently of outside sources of power.

The novel method of this invention may easily be carried out with the above described apparatus with great savings in time and labor costs. This method contemplates that the automobile body should be sheared as a unit "from the automobile frame and then compressed or crushed as a unit into a compact'bale. In addition, the method contemplates that the body should be crushed indifferent directions in a particular sequence so that the most compact bale may be obtained without requiring undue power for the compression members.

{When performing the method of this invention with the abdvedescribed'apparatus, an automobile is first dragged to the side of the trailer by means of the winch mechanism 38. The hook 298 of the lifting device is attached to the frame of the automobile, and the cylinder 308 is actuated to lift the boom. and the automobile to the desired height. Then by turning the hand crank 332, the boom is moved to position the automobile in an inverted "condition over the crushing apparatus, as shown in Fig. 6.

The side wings 68 and 70 are then closed to shear the automobile body 104 as a unit from the frame 106. If necessary, this shearing action may be facilitated by exerting-an'upward pressure on the frame with the pres sure-bars 1 12. 'This initial closing of the side wings also crushes' the-end orsides of the body, as the case may be. This crushing step is ,relatively .easy,' and, therefore, extremely great power is not required for the side wings. After thebody has been sheared and initially crushed, the side wings are partially o pened to allow the body to drop to the bottom (50 of .the apparatus. The side Wings 68 and 70 are then movedto and locked in their closed positions. i

The top compression wings 132 and 134 are now moved to their closed position to further crush .the automobile body. 'This action forces the top and bottom of the body toward each other, which is a'relatively ,easy operation, hence undue power is not required for the top wings. At this stage, it is seen that the body has been crushed into a relatively long mass having a restangular cross section which is somewhat smaller than the original generally rectangular cross section of the body. The last step is to crush the mass endwise to provide a compact bale.

It is important to note that as the foregoing crushing operations take place, the various body parts are in effect wrapped within the outer body shell, providing a self-adhering bale which will Withstand rough treatment without breaking up. a

The endwise crushing of the body requires a relatively great amount of power, and, therefore, the simple straight line reciprocable ram 210 powered by a plurality of cylinders has been provided. It should be noted that as the ram advances, the mass of material of the crushed body slides relative to the walls of the compartmen formed by thebottom '50, the side Wings 6 8 and '70, and the top Wings 132 and 134-. In orderto facilitate this sliding action, means is provided for luhrlicatingthe walls of the compartment. 7 7 w The lubricating means is illustrateclin Figs. 7, 8, and-9. This means includes a plurality of spray nozzles 48,8, 4, .4 and m d on a ulkhea 9 are side of the plate 214 and adjusted to' spray a lubricant over the surface of the plate 72 of the wing 7 9. These nozzles are connected with a conduit 49?; which in turn is connected to any suitable supply of oil or thelike under pressure. Another nozzle 500 is mounted fordirecting a spray against the top wing 134 when the wing is inor near its closed position. This nozzle is alsoconnectedto the conduit 498. The above described assembly of nozzles is duplicated on the other side of the plate 214, as indicated by the identical numerals in Fig. -8, .for spraying the surface ofthe wing68. In addition, nozzles can be positioned, if desired, at the opposite end of .the

crushing mechanism and at bothisides of the ,ram 210, as indicated by the identical numerals applied to the nozzles shown in-Fig. 7.

After the ram 210 has completed the crushing operations, the various wings and the ram are retracted, and the bale is discharged from the apparatus ,inthe manner and by the apparatus described above ,and shown best in Fig. 17. i 4

While thebody is being crushed,.the automobile frame is carried by the lifting device to the frame shearing mechanism. An operator positions the frame underthe shearing head in the manner shown in Fig Sand actuttes the shearing mechanism to cut pieces fromthe irame. If desired, the cross members mayfirst be cutl-from the frame, and then the longitudinal members may :be out to convenient lengths.

In Figs. 23 and 24, there is illustrated ,morepor ;-less schematically a slightly modified embodimentof the present invention. In this embodiment, ,the previously described shearing elements 100 'and 102 have been replaced by a pair of shearing elements510 and 512001;;- nected respectively to the wing members .681and by any suitable hinge means 514 and 516. Lever arms 518 and 520 are rigidly secured to the opposite'ends of the shearing element, 510 by any suitable means, such as welding. Double acting hydraulic piston means 522 and 524 are pivotally connected with the outer-ends of thezlever arms and are also pivotally connected to the he operation of the embodiment shown in ,Figs. 23

,and 24 is generally similar to the embodiment shown above in that the automobile is positioned with .the body depending between the side wing members and the frame 1:06 located above the wing members, as shown in Fig. 24, .while the wingIinembers are in the open position shown .in .dotted lines. The wing actuatinglcylinders 86 and 88 are then operated to close the wings, and ,at the same time the shearing element cylinders are actuated to pivot the shearing elements 510 and'512 from open position shown in dotted lines to the closed position shown in solid .lines. It is, of course,understood that the shearing elementactuating cylinders are connected withlthe hydraulic system illustrated in Fig. 21 in' any suitable manner, not shown. Thus, as the wings and shearing elements are closed, shearing forces are exerted on the automobilebody not only because of the closing action ofthe wings, butalso because of the ,forcesexerte'd by the cylinders actuating the shearing elements. 'It should he noted that the combined widths of the shearing1elements 5 10 and 512 are greater than the distance between the wing members when the wing members are in their closed substantially parallel position, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 23. Thus, during the shearing of the automobile body' from the frame, substantially the full pressure exerted by the wing actuating'cylinders and the shearing element actuating cylinders is applied forthe purpose of shearing the body, while only a portion of the pressure is exhausted for crushing the body. This arrangement insures relatively quick and easyshearin'gof the automobile body from the frame. As a further assuran'ce to rapid and complete shearing of the body, the above'described pressure bars 108 and 112 may also be utilized with the form of the invention shown in Figs. 23 and 24. However, in this form, itshould be noted that the actuating cylinders and 114 for the pressure bars arernounted on the tapered blocks 538 and 540 so that the axes of these cylinders extend at .an angle to the planeof the wing members. By this arrangement, the pressure bars are actuated in substantially vertical planes .for engagement with the body frame 106 when the wingrnembers and shearing elements are in the closed position shown in solid wines in Fig. 23.

After the body has been sheared from the frame, the shearing elements 510 and 512 are moved .to an open position, and the wing members are then actuated until they reach the fully closed substantially parallel position shown in dot dash lines in Fig. 23 to perform the initial side crushing operation on the automobile body. The wings are then opened ,to allow the initially crushed body to' drop to the bottom of the crushing mechanism, andthe further .baling operations are then carried out in the mannerdescribed above. i 1 i From the above description, it is seen that ,the present inventionprovides a novel method and apparatus capable of .fully carrying outthe objects set forth hereinabove. A method of treatment is provided by which the article to be worked upon, such as an automobile, is treated'by a mobile unit .at the'site where the article :is located; .the article being treated as a complete unit with maximum economy and efiiciency. While the preferred embodiments of the apparatus and method of this invention havebeen disclosed, it is obvious that many changes may be made without ,departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for scrapping an automobile haying a body and a frame, comprising ajmobile base, means crushing said body into a compact mass, means on said basefor cutting said frame intoa plurality of pieces, said posit oning means being :adaptedto retain a frame severed from the body and convey said frame to said: cutting means, and means on. said base for providing-power to actuate, the aforementioned means.

2. An apparatus for baling automobiles, comprising mobile means providing a base, a pair of opposed plate members pivotally mounted on said base for movement from relatively spread apart positions toward each other, means for pivotally moving said plate members toward each other to, crush an automobile body therebetween, a third plate member, means for mounting said third platemember for movement between said pair of plate members and toward said base for further crushing an automobile body, and ram means mounted on said base and movable between said pair of plate members for still further crushing'an automobile body. t

3. An apparatus for baling automobiles, comprising means providinga base, apair of plate-like means mounted on said base, at least one of said plate-like means being mounted for movement from an open position toward said other plate-like means to a closed position for crushing an automobile body therebetween, and shearing means havingcooperable elements mounted on each of said platelike means and'extendable toward each other and laterally of their respective plate-like means for shearing an automobilebody from an automobile frame supported between said plate-like means when said one plate-like means is moved toward said closed position, means mounted on said base and operable between saidpair of plate-like means forfurther crushing a body, and means for actuating said one plate-like means and said last named means, i

4. An apparatus for baling an automobile having a body and a framecomprising means providing a mobile base, means on said base for separating the body from the frame, said separating means including a pair of cooperable shearing elementsfor cutting the body'fromthe frame and means forforcing the frame away from the shearing elements during the operation thereof to assist in separating the body and frame, and means on said base disposed for receiving and for crushing the separated body.

1-An1apparatus for baling an automobile having a body and a, frame, cpmprising means providing a base, a pair of, plate-like means mounted on said basefor relative movement from an open position to a closed position for crushing an automobile body therebetween, cooperable shearing elements mounted on said plate-like means, for shearing the frame-fromthe automobile body, and shiftable means carried by said plate-like means and moveable transverselyof said shear elements for forcing the frame away from the shearing elements during the operation thereofto 'assist in separating the body and rame. V L

'L, 6,, apparatus'for baling automobiles, comprising means providing a'base', means mounted on said base for crushing an' automobile body into acompact mass and including a pair of opposed plate-like means, at least one of said plate-like means being mounted for movement from an open position disposed at an angle to the vertical toward the other plate-like means for crushing an automobile body therebetween, said one plate-like means having an opening therein through which opening said compact mass may pass, a door member pivotally mounted on said one plate-like means for movement from a position closing said opening to an open position, and means for moving said relatively compact mass through said opening.

7. An apparatus for' baling automobiles, comprising means providing a mobile base, means carried by said base for severing an automobile body from a frame and for crushing a severed automobile body into a relatively compact mass, means carried by said base for shearing an shearing elements include a pair of shearing edges dis- '1'4'? automobile frame into.- a plurality of parts, said shearing means including a support member movable from an inoperative position to an operative position extending beyond the confines of said base, relatively movable I shearing elements carried on and movable with said member, actuating means carried by said member for imparting relative movement to said shearing elements, and means mounted on said base for positioning a frame and body to be acted upon by said first mentioned means and for subsequently transferring the frame to said shearing means.

, 8. An apparatus, as defined in claim 7, wherein said posed at an angle to each other.

9. An apparatus for baling automobiles, comprisin means providing a base, a pair of opposed plate-like members mounted on said base, at .least one of said platelike members being mounted for movement from an open position inclined from the vertical to a closed position generally parallel with the other plate-like member to crush an automobile therebetween into a relatively compact mass, a wall member disposed between said plate- -like members and generally. perpendicular to said one plate-likemember when said one plate-like member is in said closed position, and means for tilting said wall memher when said one plate-like member is in said open inclined position to tilt saijd compact mass against said one plate-like member for removal from the apparatus.

; 10. An apparatus for scrapping automobiles, comprisingmeans providing a base, a pair of opposed plate-likemembers mounted on said base, at least one of said platelike members being mounted for movement from an open position to a closed position for crushing an automobiletherebetween, means for actuating said one platelike member, a transverse wall between said plate-like members, a pair of complementary pivotally mounted members moveable between said plate-like members and enclosing said transverse wall for further crushing the body, another plate-like member movable between said :pairofpIate-like members and between said transverse wall and saidcomplementary members for furthercrushing said automobile, and means for locking said .pair of plate-like members and said complementary members in said closed position during the crushing movement of said last mentioned plate-like member. 7

1 1.. A method for baling automobiles having a body mounted on a frame, comprising mechanically shearing thebodyas a unit from said frame, and compressing said body as a unit into a relatively compact mass. 7

12. A method for baling automobiles having a body mounted on a frame, comprising mechanically shearing in an endwise direction the body as a unit from the frame, inwardly crushing the body unit endwise, then compressing the top and bottom of the body unit toward each other, and then compressing opposite sides of the body unit toward each other to provide a compact mass.

13. A method of baling an automobile body, comprising first crushing an automobile body endwise, thenv crushing the top and bottomof the body toward each other to form an elongated mass having opposite sides of the body at opposite ends of said mass, and then crushing the mass endwise to provide a relatively compact bale.

14. An apparatus for scrapping automobiles, comfor actuating said shearing elements.

15. An apparatus for scrapping automobiles, com

prising means providing a base, a pair of opposed platelike members mounted on said base for relativemovement toward and away from each other to crush an automobile therebetween, a pair of cooperable shearing 'elements, one of said shearing elements 'being hi'ngedly' mounted on one of said plate-like members, and the other of said shearing elements being hingedly mounted on the other of said plate-like members, said shearing elements being movable from openpositions to closed positions extending transversely of said plate-like members for shearing an automobile body from a frame, means for actuating saidplate-like members, means for actuating said shearing elements, and means for applying a force to the frame in a direction away from the shearing elements to place the automobile body being sheared under tension, thereby to assist in the shearing operation.

16. An apparatus for baling automobiles having a body mounted on a frame, comprisingmeans providing a mobile base, means carried by said base for receiving an automobile body separated from said frame for cornpressing the body into a relatively compact mass, means carried by and above said compressing means for projecting inwardly of the compressing means for shearing the automobile body from said frame, and means mounted on said mobile base for lifting an automobile to and supporting said automobile in an inverted position for engagement by said shearing means so that the separated body will be received by said compressing means.

17. An apparatus for baling automobiles having a body and a frame, comprising means providing a mobile base, baling means carried by said base for compressing an automobile body into a relatively compact mass and including means for severing said frame from said' body, winch means carried by said base for moving an automobile from a point remote from said base to a point adjacent said base, and hoisting means carried by said base for lifting an automobile adjacent said base and disposing said automobile in position to be acted upon by said baling means.

18. An apparatus for baling automobiles, comprising means providing a mobile base, a pair of opposedplatelike member mounted on said base, at, least one of said plate-like members being pivotally mounted along a first marginal portion thereof spaced from a first marginal portion of the other of said plate-like members for movement about a first axis from an open position disposed at an angle to said other plate-like member to a closed position disposed generally parallel to and spaced from said other plate-like member for crushing an automobile body therebetween, a wall structure extending" between said plate-like members adjacent said first marginal portions thereof, a third plate-like member pivotally mounted on said base for movement about an axis disposed transversely of and olfset substantially from said first axis 16 from an open position to a closed position between said pair of plate-like members and generally opposing said wall structure for further crushing said automobile body, andmeans for moving said one plate-like member and said third plate-like member.

19. An apparatus for baling automobiles, comprising means providing a mobile base and a bottom structure, a pair of opposed plate-like members mounted on said base and extending upwardly from said bottom structure, at least one of said plate-like members being pivotally mounted for movement about an axis adjacent said bottom structure from an open position to a closed position adjacent to andspaced' from the other of said plate-like members to crush an automobile body therebetween, a second pair of plate-like members pivotally mounted on said base for movement about axes spaced substantially above said bottom structure between said first mentioned plate-like members and from open positions to closed positions generally opposing said bottom structure for further crushing an automobile body, and means for actuating said plate-like members.

References Cited in the file 'of thispatent UNITED STATES PATENTS 47,037 Phillips Mar. 28, 1865 164,391 Pratt June 15, 1875 588,938 Albrecht et al. Aug. 31, 1897 611,134 Lewis et al. Sept.'20, 1898 768,876 Campbell Aug. 30, 1904 876,388 Nieters Jan. 14, 1908 897,179 Weeks Aug. 25, 1908 969,720 Pickett Sept. 6, 1910 1,196,491 Street Aug. 29, 1916 1,540,784 Landford June 9, 1925 1,869,747 Howard Aug. 2,1932

1,987,608 Dewald Jan. 15, 1935' 2,029,984 Buttfield et al. Feb. 4, 1936 2,043,366 Bech June9, 1936 2,082,017 McClain June 1, 1937 2,089,119 Irven Aug. 3, 1937 2,097,353 Tallman et al. Oct. 26, 1937 2,128,630 Wright Aug. 30, 1938 2,295,287 Muench Sept. 8, 1942 2,302,857 Harder Nov. 24, 1942 2,307,055 Menger Jan. 5, 1943 2,353,221 Clifton et al. July 11, 1944 2,355,646 Haase Aug. 15, 1944 2,492,608 Wilms Dec. 27, 1949 2,597,553 Weber May 20, 1952 2,605,657 Lindemann et al. Aug. 5, 1952 2, 94,434 Petty Nov. 16, 1954 2,816,502 Eismann Dec. 17, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS' 330,113 Germany Dec. 8, 1920 562,151 Great Britain June 20, 1944 579,051 1946 Great Britain July 22, 

